A NEW "vision" for Bradford's library service until 2025 includes a pledge to keep all of the District's 29 branches open.

Like most public services, Bradford's network of libraries have been either closed or offered a vastly reduced service over the past year.

Now lockdown restrictions are being eased Bradford Council has announced more detail of its latest "vision and model" for the library service.

It says that as well as keeping core library services at each branch, each individual library will have a "tailored offer" unique to the local community.

An announcement by the Council in 2019 that it would cut over £1 million from its annual library budget created uproar, with users, staff and campaigners claiming the cuts would be hugely damaging to the District.

Many pointed out that the Council had embarked on a campaign to have the District named City of Culture for 2025, and the decision to cut library services seemed to fly in the face of this culture bid.

Striking staff protest against museum and library cuts

Last year the Council decided to amend these plans, using £700,000 of public health money to prop up the libraries budget. And the authority said although there may be some changes, all 29 branches would remain open.

This week the Council put out a statement saying it: "Recognises the huge potential that libraries have to support the Council’s priorities and deliver more services, working in partnership with others.

"The Library Service will be developed with a focus on enhancing wellbeing and tackling a number of key priorities including addressing poverty and social isolation, supporting people to develop their skills and employability, and helping children to get the best start in life. It will do this using key assets of library staff, the library buildings, IT and the local communities and the networks they have within them."

The authority says the main principles of the service are:

• Be inclusive; offering a free safe space and a place to meet for all.

• Be at the heart of the community reflecting local need supporting improved outcomes.

• Retain a core library function in line with statutory requirements

• Connect with other services allowing access to information, advice and signposting to ensure we make every contact count.

• Be creative and mindful of wider cultural ambitions

• Adopt a partnership approach to working, which brings together a range of partner organisations, local groups and education institutions – working better together for greater outcomes.

The Council added: "As well as the core library offer at all libraries across the district a ‘tailored offer’ will be developed for each library that reflects the particular needs and circumstances of the local community. This work is starting with three pilot libraries - Keighley, Wibsey and Allerton.

"The pilots will look at tailoring what is offered in the libraries to the local community."